Galapagos — West & Central Islands Photography Tour image
Operated by G Adventures

Galapagos — West & Central Islands Photography Tour

From
Price on request
Duration
11 days
Countries
Ecuador
Activity
easy

The adventure

Picture it: the Galápagos, viewed from the deck of the comfortable Monserrat as she cuts through blue waters bound for another island paradise loaded with natural splendour. But it’s not just a “look but can’t touch” situation – on this trip, you’ll get up-close and personal with aquatic wildlife like sea lions and turtles, hike over volcanic lava flows to check out the landscapes of Bartolomé, and relax on the stunning white-sand beaches of Santiago. Get out onto the high seas and start making better memories. Best of all, you'll get expert guidance in photography and adventuring from our Wanderer-in-Residence Gary Arndt, founder of Everything Everywhere, and travel photographer of the year for both the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association.

At a glance

Duration
11 days
Route
Quito → Quito
Countries
Ecuador
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Sailing & Marine, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Galapagos — West & Central Islands Photography Tour image

Day by day

Breathtaking aerial shot of Cotopaxi Volcano with a lone house in El Corazón, Ecuador. Perfect for nature lovers.
Your journey through

Ecuador

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrival transfer is included in the tour.
Arrival transfer is included in the tour.
Day 2Enjoy a day in historic Quito
Aerial view of Quito featuring Panecillo Hill and Virgin statue, capturing historic architecture and vibrant cityscape.Quito
Enjoy a day in historic Quito. Take a city tour to seek out photo opportunities, this tour of Quito is perfect for seeing fascinating panoramas, churches, and historical architecture of Quito. Learn about colonial art, culture, legends, and traditions.
Map showing Quito
Day 3Early flight to Baltra
Early flight to Baltra. Meet the guide and transfer across the island of Santa Cruz to Puerto Ayora to board the ship. Take an afternoon excursion to the highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
Day 4Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to see…
Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to see giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé for a guided tour to see the dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint.
Day 5Visit the beach on Las Bachas and relax…Visit Bachas Beach in the morning, located on the northeastern tip of Santa Cruz Island. A great beach to stroll on with crystalline waters perfect for swimming, Bachas Beach also gives visitors the opportunity to see frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions. In the afternoon, visit Cerro Dragón, on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. See land iguanas as well as a saltwater lagoon frequented by flamingos and various species of birds.
Visit Bachas Beach in the morning, located on the northeastern tip of Santa Cruz Island. A great beach to stroll on with crystalline waters perfect for swimming, Bachas Beach also gives visitors the opportunity to see frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions. In the afternoon, visit Cerro Dragón, on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. See land iguanas as well as a saltwater lagoon frequented by flamingos and various species of birds.
Day 6Take a morning panga ride and look…
Take a morning panga ride and look for marine life in Black Turtle Cove before navigating back to Baltra for lunch. In the afternoon, sail to Mosquera and walk along the beach and observe the vast sea lion colonies.
Day 7Arrive at Puerto Villamil
Arrive at Puerto Villamil, home to the small community that lives on Isabela Island. In the morning, hike the Sierra Negra volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. Visit Las Tintoreras and the tortoise breeding centre in Puerto Villamil in the afternoon.
Day 8Visit Chinese Hat for snorkelling opportunities…In the morning, the boat arrives at a small uniquely shaped island off the southern tip of Santiago called Chinese Hat. Here it is often possible to see Galápagos penguins, and the marine life is fantastic for snorkelling. There is also a large sea lion colony as well as many marine iguanas that can be seen while walking amongst the volcanic scenery. Trek to see good views of the island's volcano.
In the morning, the boat arrives at a small uniquely shaped island off the southern tip of Santiago called Chinese Hat. Here it is often possible to see Galápagos penguins, and the marine life is fantastic for snorkelling. There is also a large sea lion colony as well as many marine iguanas that can be seen while walking amongst the volcanic scenery. Trek to see good views of the island's volcano.
Day 9On a morning excursion to Puerto EgasMorning excursion to Playa Espumilla, one of the most idyllic beaches in the Galápagos Islands, which has thick mangroves and flamingo and sea turtle nesting sites. Continue to Puerto Egas to see the salt crater as well as a dark sand beach and tidal pools. Santiago Island has seen its share of human activity from whalers and pirates over the years, and despite the introduction of goats to the island many years ago, the wildlife of Santiago has otherwise flourished and provides outstanding viewing opportunities. The island boasts marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, land and sea turtles, among others. Enjoy great wildlife viewing both on land and in the water.
Morning excursion to Playa Espumilla, one of the most idyllic beaches in the Galápagos Islands, which has thick mangroves and flamingo and sea turtle nesting sites. Continue to Puerto Egas to see the salt crater as well as a dark sand beach and tidal pools. Santiago Island has seen its share of human activity from whalers and pirates over the years, and despite the introduction of goats to the island many years ago, the wildlife of Santiago has otherwise flourished and provides outstanding viewing opportunities. The island boasts marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, land and sea turtles, among others. Enjoy great wildlife viewing both on land and in the water.
Day 10Visit North Seymour for guided walks to observe…QuitoVisit North Seymour, just north of Baltra, home to sea lions, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies. Transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for a flight to Quito. Flights from Baltra to Quito depart between 10:00am and 1:00pm depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into Quito between 2:30pm and 5:30pm with a refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will arrive back at the hotel in the early evening in time for dinner.
Aerial view of Quito featuring Panecillo Hill and Virgin statue, capturing historic architecture and vibrant cityscape.Quito
Visit North Seymour, just north of Baltra, home to sea lions, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies. Transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for a flight to Quito. Flights from Baltra to Quito depart between 10:00am and 1:00pm depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into Quito between 2:30pm and 5:30pm with a refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will arrive back at the hotel in the early evening in time for dinner.
Map showing Quito
Day 11Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Ecuador

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Majestic view of Cotopaxi volcano surrounded by vibrant wildflowers under a clear blue sky.
Stunning aerial view of Quilotoa Crater Lake surrounded by mountains under a vibrant blue sky.
A stunning aerial view of the hillside towns and lush greenery in Quito, Ecuador.
Breathtaking view of Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador, showcasing barren, eroded landscapes and clouds.
Explore the tranquil beauty of a remote lake nestled amid lush mountains, offering a peaceful escape.
Operated by G Adventures

A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.

Book my trip →

More South America adventures

Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast image
G Adventures
Save 20%

Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Peru · 51 days · Active

fromCAD 8,919
Next: 20 Jun
Brazil Rio Christ Redeemer
Intrepid Travel
Deal

Epic South America

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay · 39 days · Moderate4.2(6)

fromCAD 8,901
Next: 24 Jun
Quito to La Paz: Amazon & Ancient Cultures image
G Adventures
Save 20%

Quito to La Paz: Amazon & Ancient Cultures

Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru · 35 days · Active

fromCAD 4,879
Next: 27 Jun